In this unit, we were introduced to the Grammar Translation Method and the advantages and disadvantages of using it in second language classrooms. In a publication by Mohammed Rhalmi (April 4, 2009. Updated Aug. 26th, 2014) "GTM is an old method which was originally used to teach dead languages which explains why it focuses mainly on the written form at the expense of the oral form." This method allows the L2 learner to make use of his/her mother tongue to understand the meaning of words and phrases. However, some of the disadvantages that are argued about using this method are that GTM is good at "teaching about a language," not "teaching the language" and "translation is misleading. This is just to mention a couple.
In the case of Thornbury (1999), in his paper "Why to Teach Grammar" He establishes the GTM as "the starting point of instruction" and that it usually begins with a clear statement of the rule, followed by exercises that involve the translation of language in and out of the mother tongue. Thornbury (1999) also mentions a couple of other methods, the Direct Method which focuses mainly on the translation of written communication and it was believed to help L2 learners pick up on the new language in the same way children do in their L1 language acquisition.
Another method mentioned by Thornbury (1999) is the Audiolingualism method which "considered language as simply a form of behavior, to be learned through the formation of correct habits." A distinguishing characteristic of this method is the use of drills in the classroom.
Among all the different grammar methods mentioned in this unit, I was drawn to the Audiolingualism because the focus here is the use of drills and it's task-based.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, there were two other approaches mentioned in this unit - Deductive and Inductive. The following is my understanding of the two presentation styles.
Deductive: The learners are given a general rule, then, the teacher provides them with examples, and lastly, the learners have to put that rule into practice.
Inductive: The learner is given authentic language material, and he/she is expected to discover the grammatical rule on his/her own.
In my opinion, students who are in their first stages of learning a new language, need a much more clear instruction when it comes to grammar rules. As for Inductive presentation style, I see it more suitable for those students who are in higher levels or who have had experience practicing this approach. Deciding on which of the presentation styles to use, I would have to go with the inductive approach as it promotes the learner to be more autonomous and independent of the learning process.
Resources:
Grammar Translation Method. Mohammed Rhalmi. Published April 4, 2009. Updated August 26, 2014.
https://www.myenglishpages.com/blog/grammar-translation-method/
Thornbury (1999) How to Teach Grammar
https://universityofmanitoba.desire2learn.com/content/enforced3/309458-17788.201890/Content/materials/unit%202/Readings/Thornbury%20-%20Why%20Teach%20Grammar.pdf?
No comments:
Post a Comment